‘Absolutely ridiculous’ that the ESB haven’t connected Laois lights

It is “absolutely ridiculous” that the ESB hasn’t connected new lights following work in Stradbally, a Councillor said.  

Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal McEvoy praised Tower Construction who he said had carried out “absolutely fabulous, top class work” at Church Avenue in the town.  

According to Cllr McEvoy, the work included the installation of four of five lights which the ESB has not connected yet. He described the situation as “absolutely ridiculous” and said action was needed. 

He tabled a motion asking “that Laois County Council give an update as to when new lights at Church Avenue Stradbally will be connected to ESB”.

In response, an Active Travel Road Design Engineer stated that “Road Design note that the new ESB connection has been applied and paid for. We await confirmation from the ESB that they have carried out their section of works. Killaree Lighting Services are on standby to attend and power up these lights once we receive notification from the ESB.” 

Describing the situation as “crazy”, Cllr McEvoy said “it is going on all over the county that they can’t just connect lights and put them on”. 

He again praised the work that was carried out by Tower Construction and said it was “a pity we can’t put it on show at night” due to the lack of light. 

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins said he believed every Councillor in the chamber had made comments about the poor performance of the ESB. He described it as "absolutely scandalous that we have never had a response that I am aware of”.

He noted the ESB are being paid in advance for the work which has not yet been carried out. He said two lights outside Deerpark in Portarlington have been out for ten weeks. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran agreed with Cllr Mullins and said she believed the issue related to the ESB getting paid in advance for work. 

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan said he was aware of one young man who paid for his connection for a house in February and was only switched on two weeks ago. 

The issue was discussed at the latest meeting of Portarlington Griaguecullen Municipal District.